Generally, people buy one product or service instead of another because they:

• A. want to maximize the producer's profit
• B. expect to receive greater consumer surplus from their chosen option
• C. are required by law to purchase certain goods
• D. prefer products with higher market prices

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of consumer surplus, which is the difference between what a consumer is willing to pay for a good or service and what they actually pay.
2. Recognize that consumers make choices to maximize their own satisfaction or utility, not the producer's profit or due to legal requirements.
3. Identify that when consumers choose one product over another, they expect to gain more consumer surplus from their chosen option compared to alternatives.
4. Eliminate options that do not align with consumer behavior principles, such as buying due to legal requirements or preferring higher prices without additional benefit.
5. Conclude that the primary reason people buy one product or service instead of another is because they expect to receive greater consumer surplus from their chosen option.